3 teenagers arrested in Ojai robbery attempt

Three teenagers were arrested after an attempted robbery at an Ojai gas station turned violent, authorities said Friday.

The incident began around 7 p.m. Thursday at a Chevron gas station at 360 E. Ojai Ave.

Three males, ages 15, 16, and 17, all from Ojai, entered the gas station convenience store and began stealing items, authorities said. The clerk saw this and tried to stop the teens from leaving, authorities said.

One of the teens assaulted the clerk with a skateboard, causing a minor injury, authorities said. A female customer tried to intervene and was hit with the skateboard, authorities said.

Deputies arrived and detained the 15-year-old and 16-year-old, one of whom resisted arrest in a brief struggle, according to authorities. The 17-year-old fled, but a bystander saw him break vehicle windows with his skateboard and notified deputies, who said they took the teen into custody, according to authorities.

The juveniles were determined to be under the influence of alcohol and other controlled substances and were taken to a hospital to be checked before booking into juvenile hall, deputies said.

The three were arrested on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime and assault with a deadly weapon, deputies said, and the 17-year-old was booked with an additional charge of felony vandalism.

Anyone who witnessed the crime is asked to contact Detective Joseph Preciado at 805-477-7042.

Read or Share this story: https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ojai/2018/03/16/3-teenagers-arrested-ojai-robbery-attempt/434246002/